The Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture released the Weekly Crop Report this morning for the week of June 10th to 16th.
Growing conditions remain relatively good in the region following some very small showers this past week. Producers are hoping for good general rains to help further development and avoid seeing their crops begin to deteriorate. Those areas that did not receive rain this past week report that crops appear to be holding on for now, but the relentless wind is quickly drying out the topsoil and rain will be needed soon.
Rain is expected throughout the weekend. Find the full five-day forecast HERE.
During the reporting period, the Ituna area reported the most rain for the region with 18 mm followed by the Strasbourg area with 10 mm, the Big Beaver area with nine mm, and the Frobisher area with five mm. The rain received across the region was not enough to improve topsoil moisture, and this week’s update indicates that the moisture ratings have declined.
Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as 61 per cent adequate, 34 per cent short, and five per cent very short. Hayland is rated as 53 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short, and six per cent very short. Pasture topsoil moisture is rated as 56 per cent adequate, 38 per cent short, and six per cent very short. Producers report that crops in lower areas of both their crop and pasture fields look much better than the crops growing on hilltops.
Crop development remains strong across the region; producers report that most of their crops are rated as normal in their development stages. Spring moisture and some previous rains have allowed the crops in the region to sustain themselves as conditions become drier. Crop conditions in the region are rated from fair to good with some crops rated as excellent; the fall and spring cereals have the largest proportions rated as excellent compared to oilseeds and pulses.
While producers wait for more rain, they are busy applying the last applications of in-crop herbicides and will be beginning to apply fungicides to keep disease pressure in check. The leading causes of damage this past week were the dry conditions, wind, and flea beetles which are feeding on young canola plants; producers believe that the crop will be able to outgrow the pest and will not see major damage.
Find the provincial crop report HERE.